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Fresno, CA — Congratulations to the Valley
Fig Growers Sweet Culinary Fig Food Service Recipe Contest
grand prize winner, Bill Clifford of  Boothbay Harbor, Maine.
His Warm Beet Green Salad with Blue Ribbon Figs, Goat Cheese
and Pepper Bacon Polenta appetizer creatively delivered just
what the judges were looking for—taste, texture, presentation
and innovative use of dried California figs. As the grand
prize winner, Clifford receives $2,500. According to Clifford,
who is chef owner of The Daily Catch, he plans to feature
his award-winning recipe on the menu beginning in September.
When contacted he was elated with the win. “I tried
to combine some fresh local ingredients like the beet greens
with other ingredients that are available all year around,
namely the figs. We serve large portions here at the restaurant,
so often customers will choose a couple appetizers and share
them while enjoying a glass of wine.”
Four additional winners were announced, two
first place and two second place. The two first place winners
each receive $1000. Debbie Chang’s, Braised Chicken
with Figs over Creamy Polenta was a big hit with the judges,
as was Guy D Sockrider’s Pan Seared Filet Mignon with
Madeira Wine and Mission Figs. Chang is chef and owner of
Magnolia Catering in San Francisco, California and Sockrider
hails from Omaha, Nebraska where he is executive chef at The
Nebraska Medical Center.
The two second place winners each receive $500.
Michael J. Watz, from Chicago, Illinois, submitted the winning
recipe, Proscuitto, Fig Wontons, and Goat Cheese Baby Spinach
Salad. Watz is Director of New Concept Development, Loews
Entertainment, Loews Club Restaurant. Jeffrey D. Fuelo, of
West Paterson, New Jersey, submitted the winning entrée
recipe, Pecan Crusted Chicken Stuffed with Figs and Gorgonzola.
Fuelo is Chef at Westmount Country Club.
Valley Fig Growers was thrilled with the wide range of recipes
that came in from around the country demonstrating the versatility
of dried California figs. Based in Fresno, California, Valley
Fig Growers is the largest handler of figs in North America.
For more recipes featuring Blue Ribbon Orchard Choice and
Sun-Maid Dried California Figs go to www.valleyfig.com.
Click to view winning
recipe>>>
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